Abstract
We reviewed five cases of tarsal tunnel syndrome treated surgically in our department. The patients comprised 3 females and 1 male (1 female underwent neurolysis in both feet) and ranged in age from 9 to 82 years with a mean of 45.6 years. The etiology was a ganglion in 3 cases, a bony prominence due to talocalcaneal coalition in 3, and injury in one. Clinical outcomes after surgery were excellent except for one patient who had tarsal tunnel syndrome for five years.
The causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome are various, and include tumor, talocalcaneal coalition, injury, malalignment of the foot, or idiopathic. Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and electrophysiological evaluation are useful for detecting the cause and the entrapment points responsible for tarsal tunnel syndrome. The outcome of surgical treatment was usually good. Wide exposure of the affected nerve and careful neurolysis are recommended, because tarsal tunnel syndrome has various causes and entrapment points.
